What We Love About Minnesota: Parks & Trails!

Minneapolis is a city full of trails. Whether you prefer walking, biking, running, hiking, or rollerblading – nearly every neighborhood has a path for you to do just that!
Here are just a few trails and parks that we enjoy:

Medicine Lake Regional Trail – 15.65 milesConnects Elm Creek Park Reserve to Medicine Lake.Although it runs through several neighborhoods, the wooded setting makes it feel much more remote than it is. This paved path connects to several other regional and community trails.

West River Parkway Trail– 8.9 milesConnects Plymouth to Boom Island to the Ford Parkway at Minnehaha Park.If you’re a runner, this path is for you. Enjoy scenic views as you run alongside the Mississippi River on this wide asphalt/concrete pathway. This path has a few porta-potties stops along the path as well as water fountains.

Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail – 4.5 milesConnects Downtown Minneapolis to Cedar LakeThis short paved path is the gateway to various popular bike & pedestrian trails in the city and western suburbs.

Elm Creek Single Track Trail – 12.7 milesLocated in the Northeast corner of the Elm Creek ReserveThis mountain bike trail is sectioned according to difficulty but was built to accommodate all skill levels from “easy” to “most difficult.”

Lake Maria State Park – Located in MonticelloThe park is perfect for hikers, backpackers, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers who enjoy the challenge of the rolling terrain.This park is one of the few remaining stands of the “Big Woods,” a maple, oak and basswood forest that once covered part of southern Minnesota.

Sand Dunes State Forest – Located in Elk RiverThe Sand Dunes State Forest consists of oak savanna forest and prairie and 2,700 acres of pine plantation on rolling terrain. It provides beautiful areas for many recreational activities, such as horseback riding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, hunting, swimming, panfish fishing on Ann Lake, camping and hiking.

Fort Snelling State Park – Located in Saint PaulPark-goers can enjoy fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, bike trails, cross-country skiing, and more. GPS units and birding kits are free for visitors to check out from the park’s Visitor Center. Fishing poles are also available at the park office for free during your visit. This park is open year round from 8:00am to 10:00pm.